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Oral health is an important aspect of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked until problems arise. Many unknowingly suffer from dental issues such as teeth grinding or jaw pain, that could be easily mitigated with protective barriers such as dental mouth guards.
However, if you've ever shopped around, you might have noticed there's a big difference in price between store-bought and custom-made mouth guards. Why is that so? Is it simply a matter of material quality, or is there more to it? Well in this article, we’ll explore why there is a price gap and why it’s an investment worth making for your oral health.
What are custom mouth guards?
When we talk about custom, it refers to those that are made specifically for your teeth at dental clinics. They are unlike the one-size-fits-all mouth guards you can buy over-the-counter at retail or online stores. Custom-made mouth guards are designed to fit perfectly in your mouth, ensuring optimal comfort and maximum protection.
Sure, over-the-counter options are more affordable. But they provide less protection than custom-made variants and might not fit as securely, which can lead to increased discomfort and a higher risk for oral health issues.
What are custom mouth guards used for?
Mouth guards are typically used for four main purposes.
1) Mouth guards for teeth grinding: Custom night guards are often prescribed to patients with bruxism, a condition where individuals grind or clench their teeth during sleep. These guards act as protective barriers to prevent tooth damage and alleviate jaw pain.
2) Mouth guards for sleep apnea: Some types of mouth guards are used in the management of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. These special devices help keep airways open by positioning the jaw in a way that facilitates better breathing.
3) Mouth guards for jaw pain: Patients suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or other types of jaw pain may benefit from custom-fitted mouthguards, also known as occlusal splints. Occlusal splints help to reduce stress on the jaw joints and alleviate discomfort.
4) Sports mouthguards: For those who participate in contact sports, it is highly recommended to consult a dental professional for mouth guard in Singapore to get a custom sport mouth guard. It provides better protection compared to over-the-counter boil and bite mouth guards. Essential for athletes to protect their teeth during physical activities that could lead to dental injury. They provide shock absorption from impacts and collisions.
Now, let's talk about cost. The cost of a custom-fitted mouth guard from a dentist can vary significantly, often starting from $500. It can reach to $3000 and more, depending on its purpose. For example, sleep apnea mouth guards often involve complex materials, advanced designs and additional expertise from sleep physicians, hence costing more.
Dental insurance may cover some or all of the cost, depending on the insurance plan and whether the mouth guard is deemed a medical necessity. It's advisable to check with both your dentist and insurance provider to understand the coverage details.
In contrast, the cost for over-the-counter ones often start from as low as $10! Here's why.
Why do custom mouth guards cost more than store-bought ones?
1) Personalised Fit
Custom mouth guards are more expensive because they are specifically tailored to fit your natural teeth. Your dentist takes impressions of your teeth, which are sent to a dental lab to create a mouth guard uniquely designed for your bite. This results in a far accurate fit compared to store-bought options.
Additionally, the design and thickness of the guard are customised to meet your needs. For instance, if you have mild bruxism, your dental night guard won’t need to be as thick as someone with severe bruxism.
2) High-Quality Materials
Over-the-counter mouth guards are typically made of cheaper, lower-quality materials. Custom mouth guards, on the other hand, are made from durable, high-grade materials that provide maximum protection and last longer. The higher quality means they can withstand more wear and tear, making them a better long-term investment.
3) Professional Expertise
When you go to a dentist for a custom mouth guard, you’re paying for their expertise, experience and dental services. A dentist ensures that the guard fits perfectly, protecting not just your teeth but also your jaw and gums. This level of care and attention adds to the cost but guarantees a higher level of comfort and optimal protection.
4) Advanced Lab Work
After your dentist takes dental impressions of your teeth with an impression kit, they are sent to a dental lab where technicians use special equipment to create the mouth guard. The lab work involved in creating a custom mouth guard is much more accurate and detailed than the production of a mass-manufactured store-bought one, which is another reason for the higher cost.
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Breaking Down the Cost
So, how much can you expect to pay for a mouth guard? This depends on the type of mouthguard.
- Over-the-counter mouthguards: Starting from as low as $10
- Custom-made mouthguards: Starting from $500
While the upfront cost of a custom-made mouthguard is higher, it's important to remember that these guards are typically more durable and offer optimal protection, meaning you won’t have to replace them as often as cheaper, store-bought ones. Plus, the custom fit means they’re more comfortable to wear, making it more likely that you’ll actually use them consistently as protective barriers against impacts.
Why investing in a custom mouth guard is worth it!
While a custom mouth guard does cost more, it’s an investment in your long-term oral health. Here's why:
Optimal Protection
The main goal of a mouth guard is to protect your teeth from damage. It covers your teeth perfectly, reducing the risk of cracks, chips or other dental injuries. For example, a study done in 2017 demonstrated custom-made sports guards are more effective at maintaining muscle health and preventing injury for athletes involved in high-impact sports like Karate-Dō, as compared to using no mouth guards or over-the-counter ones.
Customisation
Customised mouth guards can be made to fit over braces and the unique shapes and contours of teeth, which is a feature over-the-counter mouth guards cannot match.
Comfort and Fit
A store-bought mouth guard might feel bulky or uncomfortable, which could make it hard to wear for long periods. Custom mouth guards, however, are made to fit snugly and comfortably so you’re more likely to wear them regularly, whether you’re sleeping or playing sports.
Durability
Custom mouth guards are made from stronger materials that can last longer. While you might spend more upfront, you’ll likely save money in the long run because you won’t have to replace them as frequently.
Prevents Other Health Issues
A custom mouth guard not only protects your teeth but can also prevent jaw pain, headaches and other dental issues. This means less pain, fewer dental visits and potentially avoiding more expensive dental treatments down the line.
Is a custom mouth guard right for you?
While the higher price might seem like a lot, consider how much it can save you in dental bills in the future. Repairing damaged teeth or dealing with jaw problems can be expensive as well as time consuming and therefore, custom types of mouthguards can help prevent those issues.
Conclusion
Whether you need it to protect your teeth from grinding or from sports injuries, a custom mouth guard is a smart choice for maintaining your oral health in the long run. If you’re considering getting one, talk to your dentist—they can guide you through the process and help you get the best fit for your needs.
Looking to book an appointment for your custom mouth guard at our dental clinic? Simply drop us a message here and we will be right with you!
References
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Chowdhury, R. U., Churei, H., Tanabe, G., Yoshida, Y., Hayashi, K., Takahashi, H., ... & Ueno, T. (2022). Useful design of custom-made mouthguard for athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment with brackets and wires. Journal of Dental Sciences, 17(1), 308-315.
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Raquel, G., Namba, E. L., Bonotto, D., Rosa, E. A. R., Trevilatto, P. C., Machado, M. Â. N., ... & Azevedo-Alanis, L. R. (2017). The use of a custom-made mouthguard stabilizes the electromyographic activity of the masticatory muscles among Karate-Dō athletes. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 21(1), 109-116.